Aluminum and Its Characteristics
The Techniques of the Surface Treatment of Aluminum Alloy
- Low density
The density of aluminum is about 2.7g/cm3, which is the second lightest mental in metal construction , merely going above magnesium. Its density is only one third of iron or copper.
High plasticity
Aluminum and its alloys are quite ductile which can be made as all kinds of models、boards、foil、tubes and wires through pressure working methods such as extrusion、rolling and drawing techniques.
Easy to be intensified
Pure aluminum has low intensity. However, it is intensified easily by alloying and heat treatment to become intensive aluminum alloy. Meanwhile, its intensity can be parallel to alloy steel. The electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of aluminum follows silver、gold and copper. Supposing that relative conductivity of copper is 100, aluminum’s is 64 while that of copper is 16. If it is calculated among the same quality metal of their conductivity, aluminum’s is nearly twice as much as copper’s.
Corrosion resistance
Aluminum can have a chemical reaction with oxygen easily. Under the natural circumstances ,the aluminum surface will produce protective oxide, which has much better corrosion resistance than steel.
Easy to recycle
The melting temperature of aluminum is low, which is about 660°С. Its waste is easy to reborn so the recovery is extremely high, along with energy consumption is only 3% of smelting.
Weldable
Aluminum alloy will be excellent in mechanical property、corrosion resistance through TIG welding method. Also, it will have the appearance of beauty and meets the structural requirements.
Easy to have surface treatment
Aluminum will possess high hardness、corrosion resistance and fine electrical insulation by means of anodizing shading method. It can be also further its decorative and protective functions through electroplating、cataphoresis and flame plating after chemical pretreatment.
